CITY businesses had one of the busiest weekends on record after hundreds of shoppers and party-goers flooded into the city. 

Pubs, shops, butchers, and even events have been reaping the benefits as Worcester entered its festive party season.

Matthew Nelmes, the owner of M&M Meats, said that out of the 17 years he has owned his shop on St Swithin's Street, this year - and weekend - has been the busiest.

"I have never known it to be so busy - it has been amazing.

"I am in a bit of a panic for next week as I think it will be unbelievably busy."

He said he was fully booked for orders in November but there is still enough meat for walk-ins.

Worcester News: PUB: Jon Dean and Will Bradley, who run the Alma Tavern is fully booked for Christmas.John Dean, managing director of The Alma Tavern on Droitwich Road, said it has been a "phenomenal" weekend and Christmas. 

"This year has been far busier than it was in previous years, and it has been fantastic. 

"When we advertised for Christmas Day, we sold out in 48 hours - we are now fully booked - and we also do festive meals, but it is predicted by Christmas day we will have done 300 of them."

Shops selling gifts have also benefited this weekend and Phillipa Gilfillan, who runs Pack It In - Zero Waste Living, said the weekend has been as busy as they expected.

"I am now hoping to be open on Christmas Eve to help anyone looking to get any last-minute presents - we have had loads of people through the door looking for sustainable gifts," she added.

Worcester News: FESTIVE: Phillipa Gilfillan from Pack It In - Zero Waste Living shop in CornmarketFESTIVE: Phillipa Gilfillan from Pack It In - Zero Waste Living shop in Cornmarket (Image: Supplied)Tim Evans, owner of Toys and Games of Worcester in Broad Street, also expects next Saturday to be the busiest day yet.

He said: "The Worcester Monopoly has been a fantastic addition to our shop. That has been, by far, the number one best-selling item.

"We expect to sell out around Christmas and New Year and the next batch will not come in until Easter.

Worcester News: Worcester Cathedral had record-breaking numbers for its Worcester Christmas Tree Festival. Worcester Cathedral had record-breaking numbers for its Worcester Christmas Tree Festival. (Image: NQ)"The big Saturday will be next Saturday but, for us, every day next week will be big. This will be a record year for us."

However, not just businesses but events have reached record-breaking numbers too.

Worcester Cathedral has been attracting large crowds to its biggest-ever Christmas Tree Festival, and it has proven so popular that it has hit a record number of visitors.